MARK OF DISTINCTIOn

Fashion Supranature in “Natural Dis-tinction, Un-natural Selection

For his Spring/Summer 2009 “Natural Dis-tinction, Un-natural Selection” show, Alexander McQueen created a collection of pieces as vivid and striking as the natural world that inspired him. Set amidst a menagerie of taxidermied animals, McQueen took viewers on a journey through the origins of the species. And, just like evolution, the end result was spectacular.

Leveraging
a variety of natural and naturally-inspired materials—from alligator skin and
leather to vivid floral prints—the collection is a symphony to the senses. Hints of feminine lace are juxtaposed with
exoskeletons and x-ray imagery to provide a complete picture of the detailed
world that inspired McQueen.

Highlighting
the collection were the crystallized looks, including heavily embellished
dresses and head-to-toe jumpsuits; and the pieces were meant to evoke a sense
of optimism about the state of the world in 2009.

Alexander McQueen SS09

Working with McQueen revealed the magic that comes from putting our crystal into the hands of cutting-edge talent. He explored creative boundaries and pushed the limits of craftsmanship, developing innovative, new applications for our products, and putting them back on the map for other designers.

Nadja Swarovski

The
Bell Jar dress is on display at the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition
at London’s V&A museum, part of the brand’s program of support for major
cultural institutions. Recent
projects include the Gabriel Chandelier for the Palace of Versailles,
and partnerships with the Venice Art and Architecture Biennales and the Palais
de Tokyo in Paris.